Fossil discoveries are a remarkable testimony to the Earth’s ancient life forms and geomorphology. What is now Western Europe once possessed shallow seas and a tropical climate. How fascinating is it that the fossils we find today lived in an entirely different ecosystem? Even more astonishing: Those long-gone creatures, big or small, lived eons ago.
The Fossilosphère cowl is inspired by the shapes of fossils and marine life from the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods. It features a combination of lace, cables, and reversible cables that complement one another. The lace resembles the streamlined shape of certain fossils, whereas the cables produce a spiraling texture evoking ancient seashells. Come along on this journey, deep into the past, and have a play with lace and a variety of cables.

The Fossilosphère name is a word play on fossils and sphère, French for sphere. In this case, the sphere refers to planet Earth and its long history of shifting continents.
The stitch patterns are named after different fossils.

For best effect, use a smooth, round yarn with good stitch definition. Yarn weights ranging from Fingering to Aran would be suitable. As for colorways, I would recommend solid, semi-solid, tonal variegated (low contrast), or gradient (single skein or gradient set) yarns.

Do you like the Fossilosphère cowl? You might like those patterns too: The Abricotine scarf, and the Yonâh cowl. For endless fun with reversible stitch patterns! Check them out!

Yarn
Malabrigo Arroyo (Sport; 100% Merino; 305 meters / 335 yards per 100 grams); 2 skeins; sample uses 173 grams in color 058 Borrajas.

Needles
3 mm (US size 2.5) 80 cm / 32 inches circular needle or size to obtain gauge.

Gauge
26 stitches and 39 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, unblocked.
22.5 stitches and 34 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stitch Pattern C – Isastrea & Turritella, blocked.
Note: obtaining the gauge given is not crucial but will affect the finished size and the yardage needed.

Notions
Removable stitch markers: 1 in color A (beginning-of-round marker), 7 in color B (optional). Cable needle. Tapestry needle. Blocking pins. Blocking wires (optional).

Size
One; easily customizable.

Final measurements
Circumference (c): 114 cm / 45 inches, height (h): 41 cm / 16.25 inches.

Skill level
Basic stitches, increases, double decreases, twisted stitches, cable stitches. Stitch pattern requiring some attention. Easy patterning on all rounds. Lace and cable patterning on odd rounds only. Working with a wide stitch repeat. Elastic BO.
Video tutorials are provided for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern notes
This pattern is worked in the round. The stitch count
remains constant throughout the whole pattern. Suggestions are given to customize the pattern.
Charts and written instructions are provided, as well as clear video tutorials for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern support
For questions about this pattern, please PM me on Ravelry or send me an email. Contact details are provided.

Thank you note
I’d like to send a big thank you to my truly awesome test knitters on Ravelry: canopycraft, knitfairies. Thank you so much for your time and dedication, for helping me make this pattern even better and for showing how the pattern would look like with different yarns!

Want to get a free cowl? Read on!

We all love knitting, right?! I certainly do! I’d like to gift you a cowl and doing so spread the love for knitting even more :-) This gift is available to everyone.

Curious about which cowl that is? Head over to the Skeinwalker freebie page to find out!. Upon registering and confirming your email address, you will receive the link to download the pattern PDF, and you will get a free subscription to The Explorers Weekly newsletter, with tips, inspiration, updates on new pattern releases along with exclusive coupon codes for discounts that I don’t share anywhere else.